Support stand for hands free use of electronic devices while using an exercise machine

ABSTRACT

A support stand for an electronic device including a flat base, a first post having a first end secured to the base, a second post having a first end pivotably connected to a second end of the first post, a platform pivotably connected to a second end of the second post, a first arm pivotably attached to the first post, the first arm having a first telescopic section extending away from the first post, a second arm pivotably attached to the first post, a second arm having a second telescopic section extending away from the first post, a first adjustable fastening device located at a distal end of the first telescopic section; a second adjustable fastening device located at a distal end of the second telescopic section, and a locking device to adjust the height of the second post with regards to the first post, the locking device including a clamp assembly with an adjusting knot to lock the height of the second post, a first articulation, and a second articulation to provide a right to left rotational motion and swivel motion about the first post.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/378,972, filed Apr. 9, 2019, entitled, SUPPORT STAND FOR HANDS-FREEUSE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE USING AN EXERCISE MACHINE, allowed, thecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support stand, more specifically to asupport stand with leg attachments for hands-free use of electronicdevices, while using an exercise machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the years, the use of exercise machines has become a regular partof many people's lives. In addition, people rely on a TV or social mediato be up to date in the latest news or friend's status. This causes anincreasing trend for people that exercise to have a larger desire to beconnected to a TV and/or an electronic device while exercising.

The prior art shows exercise machines provided with small shelves thatcan accommodate a phone, a book, or a magazine. Unfortunately, theperson usually cannot read or watch clearly the information on theelectronic device, since the person is often in a variety oforientations and height with respect to the shelves while using theexercise machine. It is desirable for the person to be able tocomfortably watch his/her cell phone or TV or Tablet or Display monitorregardless of his/her orientation.

Usually, the gym includes several TV screens that show different shows.Unfortunately, the TV screens are located far away from the user and setto show general audience shows. In view of this, the user cannot clearlysee the show or watch his/her favorite shows or the application theyprefer, or any other kind of streaming service, like YouTube or smart-TVcontent.

The prior art also shows book-holding and computer-holding devices thatare supported on the frame of the exercise machine. Unfortunately, inmost of these devices the height cannot be adjusted to fit the user'sheight; thus, the user has trouble reading the book or looking at thecomputer.

In addition, the prior art shows some books or computer holders in whichthe height can be vertically adjusted. Unfortunately, on these devicesthe articles or electronic devices cannot be horizontally orientated sothat the person can adequately view the articles or electronic devices.

Adjustability is an important factor in order for the person to be ableto comfortably watch his/her tv, read a cell phone, electronic devices,a book, or magazine regardless of his/her orientation. Adjustabilityshould be provided for vertical adjustment, horizontal adjustment, andangular adjustment, depending on the user who is in a wide variety ofpersonal orientations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support stand for an electronicdevice with leg attachments for hands-free use while using an exercisemachine. The electronic device may be, for example, a tablet, a TV, acomputer, a display monitor, or a smartphone. In another embodiment, thesupport stand may be used to hold a book or magazine.

The present invention relates to a support stand for an electronicdevice having a base having a first end and a second end, the first endincluding a bifurcation forming a first leg and a second leg; a firstclamp pivotably attached to the first leg; a second clamp pivotablyattached to the second leg; a first post having a first end pivotablyconnected to the second end of the base; a second post having a firstend telescopically connected to a second end of the first post; aplatform pivotably connected to a second end of the second post; ahorizontally adjustable first arm pivotably attached to the first pole,the horizontally adjustable first arm having a first telescopic sectionextending away from the first pole; a horizontally adjustable second armpivotably attached to the first pole, the horizontally adjustable secondarm having a second telescopic section extending away from the firstpole; a first adjustable fastening device located at a distal end of thefirst telescopic section; and a second adjustable fastening devicelocated at a distal end of the second telescopic section.

In addition, the present invention discloses a support stand for anelectronic device including a flat base, a first post having a first endsecured to the base, a second post having a first end pivotablyconnected to a second end of the first post, a platform pivotablyconnected to a second end of the second post, a first arm pivotablyattached to the first post, the first arm having a first telescopicsection extending away from the first post, a second arm pivotablyattached to the first post, a second arm having a second telescopicsection extending away from the first post, a first adjustable fasteningdevice located at a distal end of the first telescopic section; a secondadjustable fastening device located at a distal end of the secondtelescopic section, and a locking device to adjust the height of thesecond post with regards to the first post, the locking device includinga clamp assembly with an adjusting knot to lock the height of the secondpost, a first articulation, and a second articulation to provide a rightto left rotational motion and swivel motion about the first post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment ofthe support stand according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thearms in a separate position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thearms in a joined position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support stand of FIG. 1 in a foldedposition;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thedistal end section of a single arm;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thedistal end section of the two second telescopic sections of thehorizontally adjustable arms when the arms are joined together;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theconnection of the arms to the first post;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing thelegs;

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theclamp on the distal end of a leg when it is secured into an object;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing a legpivoting from a first position to a second position;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing a leg in athird position;

FIG. 13 is a back-side view of the support stand of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device at a first angle with respect tothe telescopic pole;

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device at a second angle with respect tothe telescopic pole;

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 1 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device at a third angle with respect tothe telescopic pole.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective front view of another preferred embodimentof the support stand according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of the support stand of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the support stand of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the support stand of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the support stand of FIG. 17;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing thetelecopy sections of the stand in a collapsed position;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing thetelecopy sections of the stand in an expanded position;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing thehorizontally adjustable arms when the arms are separated;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing one ofthe horizontally adjustable arms pivoting with respect to the stand andwith the stand in the collapsed position;

FIG. 26 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device;

FIG. 27 is a detailed perspective side view of the support stand of FIG.17 showing the connection of the arms to the first post;

FIG. 28 is a perspective rear view of the support stand of FIG. 17showing the connection of the arms to the first post;

FIG. 29 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing theend of one of the adjustable arms;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing one ofthe horizontally adjustable arms pivoting with respect to the stand andwith the stand in the expanded position;

FIG. 31 is a detailed view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing theplatform to hold an electronic device;

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing theplatform to hold the electronic device;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a top view of the platform of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 shows a detailed view of one of the arms of FIG. 17;

FIG. 36 shows a top view of the support stand of FIG. 17 showing thedetails of the connection between the stand and the articulated arms;

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of connection of FIG. 36 showing theconnections of the arm in a horizontal position;

FIG. 38 shows a side view of connection of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 shows a side view of connection of FIG. 36; and

FIG. 40 shows a perspective side view of connection of FIG. 36 showingthe connections of the arm in a vertical position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 show the support stand 10 according to the present invention.The support stand 10 includes:

a base 12 having a first end 14 a and a second end 14 b, the first end14 a including a bifurcation forming a first leg 16 and a second leg 18;

a first clamp 20 pivotably attached to the first leg 16;

a second clamp 22 pivotably attached to the second leg 18;

a first post 24 having a first end 26 pivotably connected to the secondend 14 b of the base 12;

a second post 28 having a first end 30 telescopically connected to asecond end 32 of the first post 24;

a platform 34 pivotably connected to a second end 36 of the second post28;

a horizontally adjustable first arm 38 pivotably attached to the firstpole 24, the horizontally adjustable first arm 38 having a firsttelescopic section 40 extending away from the first pole 24;

a horizontally adjustable second arm 42 pivotably attached to the firstpole 24, the horizontally adjustable second arm 42 having a secondtelescopic section 44 extending away from the first pole 24;

a first adjustable fastening device 46 located at a distal end of thefirst telescopic section 40; and

a second adjustable fastening device 48 located at a distal end of thesecond telescopic section 50.

The components of the support stand 10 of the invention can be made froma sturdy material, for example, steel, aluminum, reinforced carbonfiber, or cured plastic. The support stand 10 may have a height between10 inches to 10 feet, preferably between 20 inches and 7 feet.

The first post 24 has a first end 26 pivotably connected to the secondend 14 b of the base 12. The first end 26 includes a groove 70 thatconnects with a pivoting knob 72 on the second end 14 b of the base andthat is secured with a pin 74.

The second post 28 has a first end 30 telescopically connected to asecond end 32 of the first post 24. The second post 28 slides inside thefirst post 24 to adjust the height of the support stand 10 by anappropriate length to accommodate the electronic device. The electronicdevice is held on the support stand 10 at the desired height by alocking device 76. The locking device 76 is a conventional screw clampassembly as shown in the drawings.

The foldable position of the support stand 10 of the present inventionshown in FIG. 4 is useful when the device is placed in storage or istransported from one location to another.

FIG. 5 shows the distal end section of a single arm. An adjustablefastening device 46, 48 are located at a distal end of the telescopicsections 40, 44. The adjustable fastening devices 46, 48 are adapted tobe secured to the support stand 10 to a vertical or horizontal element(not shown) on a substrate, which can be a vertical or horizontalsupport as the fastener can rotate 90°.

The substrate may be, for example, an exercise machine such as atreadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, rowing machine, spinningequipment, or static bike. In some embodiments, the substrate may be asofa, recliner, chair, or bed.

The adjustable fastening devices 46, 48 may be made of a material suchas hook and loop (VELCRO®), buckles with size adjusting fasteners, cableties, snaps, clips, or laces.

FIG. 6 shows the distal end section of the two second telescopicsections 40, 44 of the horizontally adjustable arms 38, 42 when the armsare joined together.

FIG. 7 shows the pivotably connection of the horizontally adjustablearms 38, 42 to the first post 24. The horizontally adjustable arms 38,42 are connected to the first post 24 by a first shaft connection device52. The first shaft connection device 52 may permit a right to leftrotational motion swivel type rotation motion about the first post 24,as well as pivot in an up and down way.

The first shaft connection device 52 may secure to the first post 24 byany conventional means, including, but not limited to, screw securing,friction fit, or camming action.

The horizontally adjustable arms 38, 42 move independently of oneanother. The arms 38, 42 include fastener 66 to secure the arms 38, 42in a final preferred location, at any point in time. The fastener maybe, for example, nuts and bolts, pins, clamps, or clips.

The horizontal adjustments are made by loosening the fastener 66,adjusting the horizontally adjustable arms 38, 42 with respect to thehorizontally adjustable arms 38, 42; and by retightening the fastener66.

FIGS. 8-9 show the base 12 according to the present invention. The base12 may be a pole, rod, or square section tube. The base 12 has the sameshape as the first post 24 and the second post 28. Typically, the base12 may have a length of between 2 to 30 inches. The base 12 includes afirst end 14 a and a second end 14 b. The first end 14 a includes abifurcation with a first leg 16 and a second leg 18.

The first leg 16 and the second leg 18 includes holes 54 which match theholes (not shown) on the clamps 20, 22. The legs 16, 18 are secured tothe clamps 20, 22 by passing nuts or screws 56 to the respective holes.

As can be seen by FIG. 9, the clamps 20, 22 are pivotably attached tothe legs 16, 18. The clamps 20, 22 have a C-shape and are designed to beclamped to a horizontal element 58 of the substrate, which is ordinarilya horizontal support surface or to rest directly on the floor. Theclamps 20, 22 are used for connecting the support stand 10 to thesubstrate. The clamps 20, 22 include in a distal end a threaded hole(not shown) through which a large threaded screw 60 protrudes. A plate62 having a plurality of slots 64 parallel to the screw, helps theC-clamps 20, 22 to gain leverage when tightening the clamp against thehorizontal element 58 of the structure. The clamps 20, 22 can be securedto the horizontal element 58 by rotation of the large threaded screw 60,which moves the distal end of the clamps 20, 22 towards the horizontalelement 58.

FIGS. 10 and 14-16 show the platform 34 that holds an electronic device(not shown). Platform 34 is pivotably connected to a second end 36 ofthe second post 28. The platform 34 may have any geometrical shape, forexample, square, rectangular, triangular, or circular.

Platform 34 may tilt between 0 to 90-degree angles with respect to thesecond post 28. The platform 34 is fastened to the second post 28 by aswivel head 78 which maximizes the ability of the platform 34 to assumeany of a variety of positions/angles. In one embodiment, the platform 34may include a connector 68 to allow a user to electrically connect a TVonto the platform 34.

FIG. 11 shows the support stand having a leg pivoting from a firstposition to a second position to adjust to the exercise machine or torest on the floor. FIG. 12 shows the support stand having a leg in athird position to rest directly on the floor.

In an embodiment of the invention, a small dimensions model may beprovided that is designed to be used on a bed frame, a tabletop, orchair.

In an embodiment, the support stand 10 may include speakers (not shown)and/or lights mounted to the first post 24.

The support stand 10 may be placed in front of the substrate (exercisemachine, etc.). Then, the adjustable fastening devices 46, 48 aresecured to a vertical support element on the substrate. In addition, theclamps 20, 22 are secured to the horizontal support element 58 of thesubstrate. Then, the person riding the exercise machine selects acomfortable vertical and horizontal position or orientation by: slidingthe second post 28 within the first pole 24 to adjust the height; movinghorizontally the adjustable arms 38, 42; sliding the telescopic section40, 44 within the adjustable arms 38, 42 to adjust the distance to theuser; and/or tilting the platform 34 to the right angle.

The present invention provides a support stand that permits the user touse an electronic device in a hands-free manner while the person isusing an exercise machine.

It should be understood that the above description is intended forillustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention in any way.

FIGS. 17-40 show the support stand 100 according to another embodimentof the present invention. The support stand 100 includes:

a flat base 110;

a first post 120 having a first end 120 a secured to the flat base 110;

a second post 130 having a first end 130 a pivotably connected to asecond end 120 b of the first post 120;

a platform 140 pivotably connected to a second end 130 b of the secondpost 130;

a first arm 150 pivotably attached to the first post 120, the first arm150 having a first telescopic section 160 extending away from the firstpost 120;

a second arm 170 pivotably attached to the first post 120, second arm170 having a second telescopic section 180 extending away from the firstpost 120;

a first adjustable fastening device 190 located at a distal end of thefirst telescopic section 160; and

a second adjustable fastening device 200 located at a distal end of thesecond telescopic section 180.

The components of the support stand 100 according to an embodiment ofthe invention can be made from a sturdy material, for example, steel,aluminum, reinforced carbon fiber, or cured plastic. The support stand100 may have a height between 10 inches to 10 feet, preferably between20 inches and 7 feet.

The flat base 110 may have any geometrical shape. In one embodiment, thebase 110 may have a circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, oroctagonal shape. Typically, the base 110 may have a length of between 1to 30 inches.

The first post 120 has a first end 120 a connected to the flat base 110.The first post 120 is connected to the flat base 110 by using anystandard method, for example; nails, screws, bolts, welding, snap on, orpressure.

The first post 120 may have any geometrical shape. In one embodiment,the first post 120 may have a circular, square, triangular, hexagonal,or octagonal shape.

The first post 120 may have a height between 5 inches to 50 inches,preferably between 20 inches and 40 inches.

The second post 130 has the same shape as the first post 120. The secondpost 130 has a first end 130 a telescopically connected to a second end120 b of the first post 120. The second post 130 slides inside the firstpost 120 to adjust the height of the support stand 100 by an appropriatelength to accommodate the electronic device.

The second post 130 is held secure on the first post 120 at the desiredheight by a locking device 210.

The locking device 210 may secure to the first post 120 by anyconventional means, including, but not limited to, screw securing,friction fit, or camming action.

The locking device 210 includes:

a clamp assembly 220 with an adjusting knot 230 to lock the height ofthe second post 130;

a first articulation 240 and a second articulation 250 to provide aright to left rotational motion swivel type rotation motion about thefirst post 24, as well as pivot in an up and down direction.

In one embodiment, the articulations 240, 250 may include a one-piecearm having a sphere at its end that embedded into a capsule allowing thearm to move in all directions.

In one embodiment, the articulations 240, 250 may include a first piecethat allows the up and down movement of the arm and a second piece thatallows the horizontal movement of the arm.

The first arm 150 has a first end connected to a first articulation 240.The second arm 170 has a first connected to the second articulation 250.The arms 150, 170 move independently of one another.

The horizontal and vertical movements may be up 90 degrees on eachdirection.

The foldable position of the support stand 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18 is useful when thedevice is placed in storage or is transported from one location toanother.

FIG. 35 shows the distal end section 160, 180 of a single arm 150, 170.An adjustable fastening device 190, 200 are located at a distal end ofthe telescopic sections 160, 180. The adjustable fastening devices 190,200 are adapted to be secured to the support stand 100 to a vertical orhorizontal element (not shown) on a substrate, which can be a verticalor horizontal support on the gym equipment as the fastener can rotate360°.

The substrate may be, for example, an exercise machine such as atreadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, rowing machine, spinningequipment, or static bike. In some embodiments, the substrate may be asofa, recliner, chair, or bed.

The adjustable fastening devices 190, 200 may be made of a material suchas plastic, elastic bands, hook and loop (VELCRO®), buckles with sizeadjusting fasteners, cable ties, snaps, clips, laces, or any type ofadjustment.

FIGS. 31-34 show the platform 140 that holds an electronic device (notshown). Platform 140 is pivotably connected to a second end 130 b of thesecond post 130. The platform 140 may have any geometrical shape, forexample, square, rectangular, triangular, or circular.

Platform 140 may tilt between 0 to 90-degree angles with respect to thesecond post 130. The platform 140 is fastened to the second post 130 bya weighted hinge 260. The weighted hinge 260 pivots over an axis and isable to maintain the desire tilt position by a mechanism of springs andadjustment butterflies, which maximizes the ability of the platform 140to assume any of a variety of positions/angles.

The platform 140 is connected to the second post 130 by using, forexample, a cap 270 including an adjusting knot 280, by snap onmechanism, or by pressure.

In one embodiment, the platform 140 may include a connector (not shown)to allow a user to electrically connect a TV onto the platform 140.

In an embodiment of the invention, a small dimensions model may beprovided that is designed to be used on a bed frame, a tabletop, orchair.

In an embodiment, the support stand 10 may include speakers (not shown)and/or lights mounted to the first post 24.

The support stand 10 may be placed in front of the substrate (exercisemachine, etc.). Then, the adjustable fastening devices 46, 48 aresecured to a vertical support element on the substrate. In addition, theclamps 20, 22 are secured to the horizontal support element 58 of thesubstrate. Then, the person riding the exercise machine selects acomfortable vertical and horizontal position or orientation by: slidingthe second post 28 within the first pole 24 to adjust the height; movinghorizontally the adjustable arms 38, 42; sliding the telescopic section40, 44 within the adjustable arms 38, 42 to adjust the distance to theuser; and/or tilting the platform 34 to the right angle.

The present invention provides a support stand that permits the user touse an electronic device in a hands-free manner while the person isusing an exercise machine.

It should be understood that the above description is intended forillustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention in any way.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A support stand for an electronic devicecomprising: a flat base; a first post having a first end secured to theflat base; a second post having a first end pivotably connected to asecond end of the first post; a platform pivotably connected to a secondend of the second post; a first arm pivotably attached to the firstpost, the first arm having a first telescopic section extending awayfrom the first post; a second arm pivotably attached to the first post,second arm having a second telescopic section extending away from thefirst post; a first adjustable fastening device located at a distal endof the first telescopic section; a second adjustable fastening devicelocated at a distal end of the second telescopic section; and a lockingdevice to adjust the height of the second post with regards to the firstpost, the locking device including a clamp assembly with an adjustingknot to lock the height of the second post, a first articulation, and asecond articulation to provide a right to left rotational motion andswivel motion about the first post.
 2. The support stand according toclaim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm move independently ofone another.
 3. The support stand according to claim 1, wherein theadjustable fastening devices are adapted to be secured to a verticalsupport on the exercise machine.